Lee Clarke

With rumours in full flow at this time of the year it is impossible to get through everything that is currently happening at the City Ground.

With players being linked left, right and centre, news of a new shirt being delayed (I better not get the boo-boys started) and talks of sponsorship deals being brandished around it appears a busy old time on Trentside, ahead of the 2015/16 campaign.

I decided to take a break from tradition this week and give my thoughts on three hot Nottingham Forest topics, instead of my usual rant.

Danny Fox Debacle

A lot has made this past week over Forest boss Dougie Freedman’s comments that said left-back Danny Fox would be part of his plans for next season.

Typically, many Reds fans have thrown themselves in the River Trent over Dougie’s revelation due to Fox’s questionable ability.

Some have even predicted a season of turmoil should the former Celtic and Burnley man fill the left full-back spot for the whole season. I somehow doubt that having one ordinary player indicates that a season of struggle lies ahead.

Being honest I wouldn’t say I was Fox’s biggest fan and I think his form has been patchy to say the very least since he signed permanently at the City Ground in 2013.

He is however the only senior left-back the club as at present.

Dougie’s comments should be taken with a pinch of salt in my opinion. Yes he has said that Fox is part of his plans for now but in the same breath he has admitted he is looking for reinforcements in both full-back positions.

It is hardly rocket science. Fox is first – and only – choice for now, but when someone else comes in they will undoubtedly replace him in the side.

Who knows if Fox does get a run in the team, he might just prove some of his critics wrong. The importance of a player having the confidence to go out and perform shouldn’t be undervalued.

Goalkeeping Rumours

It was great to hear Forest linked to a move for West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Boaz Myhill over the weekend.

I watched Myhill perform admirably for the Baggies against Manchester United not too long back in a game where he kept a clean sheet and saved a Robin Van Persie penalty, but now it would appear he is on the Reds’ radar.

A good goalkeeper would be worth an extra 20 points a season and given how tight the Championship was last season every point is vital.

It would be a big positive for the club if they could pull off the signing of a goalkeeper of Myhill’s quality and would really get the juices flowing in anticipation for the new season.

The obvious stumbling block may prove to be the Welsh international’s wage demands but nonetheless he would still be a worthy candidate to fill the gloves on Trentside.

Osede Move Pointless

Forest were linked with Read Madrid B defender Derik Osede this past week and I really hope this was a case of pie in the sky.

I could understand the value of signing Matt Mills as he has Championship experience in bucket loads but I genuinely feel like we have enough quality at centre-half without any further additions.

With Jack Hobbs, Michael Mancienne and Kelvin Wilson all to fight for a spot next to Mills we have plenty of quality and with Roger Riera on the brink of the first-team, I think Osede coming in would be a pretty pointless move.

It isn’t even as though he would come in and be one for the future because in terms of his age that ship has pretty much sailed to be honest.

With the Reds under an embargo and a squad size restriction every signing needs to be meticulously thought out and I can’t help but feel we have bigger gaps to fill in the squad without perusing another central defender.